§ 59. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for Scotland whether John Maclean, who recently was condemned under the Defence of the Realm Act to several years' imprisonment, is being treated as a political prison in the same way as English and Irish prisoners under the same Act are being treated, or whether he is being made to work along with criminals and wear similar uniform to them; whether any leniency has been shown to him in the way of allowing his food to be brought in to him three times daily; and whether it is still to be extended to him at Peter-head?
§ Mr. MUNROJohn Maclean is undergoing his sentence at Peterhead Convict Prison under the ordinary conditions of penal servitude. The law of Scotland makes no special provision for the treatment of political offences, and I am informed that English and Irish prisoners sentenced under the Defence of the Realm Act to penal servitude do not receive special treatment. Maclean has received great consideration in the matter of meals both during his previous penal servitude sentence, of which he served less than half, and since his further conviction. Whether such treatment can continue will depend upon general considerations of prison discipline, and upon the medical advice received regarding his condition and requirements.